Fountain Court Chambers > London, England > Set Profile
Fountain Court Chambers Offices
FOUNTAIN COURT, TEMPLE
LONDON
EC4Y 9DH
England
Fountain Court Chambers > The Legal 500 Rankings
London Bar > Aviation Tier 1
Fountain Court Chambers is regarded as ‘an impressive set and a go-to for aviation’ with expertise in a range of commercial disputes including redelivery, leasing and aircraft purchase agreements. The set is also experienced in aviation claims involving disaster, catastrophic loss and damage. Akhil Shah KC acted for Goshawk in relation to leasing disputes concerning a Boeing 737 Max aircraft. Michael McLaren KC has acted for Olympic Council of Asia in a claim for damages arising from a purchase agreement for an executive jet. Bankim Thanki KC and Rosalind Phelps KC are frequently instructed by major airlines and regulators while John Taylor KC is acting for Ryanair in a Commercial Court action. Giles Robertson focuses on civil fraud and banking matters in this space.Rising stars
Leading Silks
2022 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Fountain court has a reputation for aviation work that is second to none in my opinion.’
‘Fountain Court Chambers is generally reckoned to be the leading aviation set.’
‘The set is extremely strong and justifiably has a reputation for providing a Rolls Royce service. They are my first choice for aviation work, particularly higher value cases.’
‘Brilliant set- the premier set for aviation litigation-strength in depth at all levels.’
‘Excellent. Fountain Court is the best aviation finance practice by far.’
Clerking
‘Both Alfie Harper and Fraser Linning were responsive at short notice and very helpful.’
Work highlights
London Bar > Banking and finance (including consumer credit) Tier 1
Fountain Court Chambers is ‘the pre-eminent set for banking litigation‘ with ‘strength and depth all the way up and down the list of members‘. While the set’s members regularly act on the market’s largest banking disputes, clients note that ‘they are always also happy to assist with the smaller matters‘. A major recent case was Law Debenture v Ukraine, a claim brought by the Russian state concerning a $3bn eurobond loan default, in which Bankim Thanki KC and Simon Atrill represented Ukraine before the Supreme Court, whose judgment was pending at time of writing. In Federal Republic of Nigeria v JP Morgan Chase, Rosalind Phelps KC and David Murray are defending JP Morgan against a US$870m claim relating to bank deposits made as part of an allegedly corrupt oil deal involving Malabu Oil and Gas, a company linked to disgraced Sane Abacha-era Nigerian oil minister Dan Etete.Rising stars
Leading Silks
2021 Silks
2022 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘I work have worked with several counsel from Fountain Court, and they have all been excellent. What I love about Fountain Court, in particular, in addition to the quality of the chambers they are always also happy to assist with the smaller matters. Their juniors are also top notch.’
‘Fountain Court is without doubt one of the leading sets for financial services. They have genuine specialists at all levels of qualification and they are always on my short list when seeking counsel.’
‘I think that Fountain Court Chambers is THE pre-eminent set in this area. There is strength and depth all the way up and down the list of members. They are a delight to work with, user friendly and very down to earth.’
‘Fountain remain the pre-eminent set for Banking litigation.’
‘Fountain Court have enormous bench strength and can be counted on to provide top-tier advice.’
Clerking
‘Very slick, very professional (especially Sian Huckett).
London Bar > Commercial litigation Tier 1
Fountain Court Chambers is ‘a stellar set of chambers that can offer both very capable juniors and well-respected and highly talented silks‘. The set’s impressive credentials stretch across several core areas, from high-end banking and finance disputes, through to civil and criminal fraud. A major instruction has been NMC Health Ltd & Ors v BR Shetty & Ors, in which Bankim Thanki KC is leading Nico Leslie, among others, for the joint administrators of the Middle Eastern healthcare company, NMC Health, involving claims against the founder and certain prominent former shareholders for fraud and embezzlement. In VTB Capital plc v Republic of Mozambique & Others, David Railton KC is leading Timothy Howe KC , Adam Sher and Ian Bergson for the claimant, in a dispute involving monetary claims against Mozambiquan borrowers, guaranteed by the Mozambique state.Rising stars
Leading Silks
2021 Silks
2022 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Fountain Court is a stellar set of chambers that can offer both very capable juniors and well-respected and highly talented silks, many of which have assisted us in our cases in the past few years.’
‘Fountain Court are undoubtedly one of the top sets in the business. Their junior barristers are top notch and the silks are refreshingly down to earth, and practical in their approach to cases.’
‘They are my go-to set. Clerking is top notch. Super responsive. Service is impeccable. They have never failed to accommodate any request. Counsel are always available. What sets this set apart from the rest is the consistency of quality of counsel. They are all (bar none) super clever, very approachable, very client friendly and advice is never wrong.’
‘Fountain Court remains one of the very top commercial sets in London.’
‘Fountain Court Chambers is a tremendous set on every level. The entire team appears invested in their client’s success and it is a joy to work with them.’
Clerking
‘The Fountain Court clerks are a pleasure to deal with. Alfie Harper is my go-to and never disappoints. Prompt, consistent and considered service, with a real appreciation for the challenges we face as solicitors and client requirements.’
London Bar > Financial services regulation Tier 1
‘The bench strength is phenomenal’ at Fountain Court Chambers which offers ‘everything under one roof: corporate crime, contentious FS regulatory; public law and professional disciplinary work‘. The cross-over with white collar crime, where silks such as Richard Lissack KC are leading market figures, makes it an extremely popular choice. This side of the offering was boosted by the arrival of Robin Lööf, previously a solicitor at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP advising banks and institutions on a range of financial services issues, including cryptoasset launches. Members often work together, as in R (Donegan) v Financial Services Compensation Scheme Limited, a dispute arising out of the high-profile collapse of London Capital & Finance, in which Richard Handyside KC, Rebecca Loveridge and Rupert Allen advised the FSCS. Richard Coleman KC also represented the FCA in the groundbreaking Business Interruption Insurance Test Case, FCA v Arch Insurance (UK) Limited & Others.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘A go-to set for us in financial services, corporate, and commercial disputes. The bench strength is phenomenal, so they can always offer us great counsel options for every case. They never overpromise.’
‘The ‘Magic Circle’ of Chambers for corporate crime; everything under one roof: corporate crime, contentious FS regulatory; public law and professional disciplinary work.’
‘One of my go-to Chambers – best in class counsel, in terms of quality of advice and service. They work as part of our team, shaping the strategy from day one, (not as a distant resource to be consulted on difficult issues).’
‘Fountain Court is our go to set for banking litigation.
‘A go to set for excellent barristers at all levels.’
Clerking
‘Excellent – they take the time to get to know us and offer a tailored service. Always available. Richard Evans in particular is the first person we call on many of our new cases.’
London Bar > Fraud: civil Tier 1
Fountain Court Chambers is ‘really strong across all levels and with a market-leading civil and criminal fraud team‘. The set is noted for its overlapping strengths in key areas such as banking and financial services. Notable mandates include Kuwaiti Public Institution for Social Security v Al Rajaan & Others, a massive fraud claim brought by the Kuwaiti pension fund against its former Director General, Fahad Al-Rajaan, and over 40 defendants, in which Stuart Ritchie KC is co-leading a team, including Nico Leslie , for the claimants, and Richard Lissack KC is leading several members, including Leonora Sagan , for Man Group, one of the defendants. Rosalind Phelps KC is also representing the defendant in Federal Republic of Nigeria v JP Morgan Chase, a US$870m fraud claim brought by the Nigerian government concerning bank payments used for an allegedly corrupt oil deal dating back to the regime of Sani Abacha.Rising stars
Leading Silks
2021 Silks
2022 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Fountain Court have a pre-eminent position in the banking market, and that naturally feeds into becoming involved in fraud work as banks are increasingly becoming involved – directly or indirectly – in fraud litigation.’
‘Fountain Court counsel are consistently excellent – very smart barristers who are also great to work with.’
‘Really strong, across all levels and with a market-leading civil/criminal fraud team.’
‘Fountain Court are excellent across the board, but particularly on com lit and fraud.’
‘Fountain Court Chambers is in my view one of the leading sets in the civil fraud area. I have worked with a number of excellent barristers in this area at different levels of seniority.’
Clerking
‘Alex Taylor is the best clerk in London by a country mile. There is nothing he does not know. He never oversells and always offers frank views on which barristers are suitable and available.’
Work highlights
London Bar > Professional negligence Tier 1
Described as a ‘top go to set’, members of Fountain Court Chambers are regularly instructed in cases concerning financial, construction and legal professionals. The set have practitioners who are in demand for their commercial litigation and regulatory knowledge, and have been instructed in various significant and high profile claims. Anneliese Day KC is noted as ‘a standout genius‘, acting on some of the biggest and complex professional negligence disputes, including Investors in the Scotts Atlantic Film Finance Scheme v Thornhill KC, with a claim worth £50m, whereby Day acted for over one hundred investors who invested money into a film finance scheme having been allegedly negligently advised by a tax KC. Christopher Knowles is a name to watch owing to his work defending solicitors.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Fountain Court is a go-to set for me for (re)insurance coverage disputes, banking disputes and com lit.’
‘Very responsive and easy to work with; intelligent and excellent client handling skills; commercial and impressive work rate.’
‘Fountain Court is a really excellent set with quality from top to bottom. One of the first I go to. They are able to cover almost any type of commercial dispute. It was a real coup when they managed to get Richard Lissack to join — probably the best white collar lawyer at the Bar.’
‘Impressive knowledge and experience of the regulatory framework of solicitors and how the SRA operates.’
‘An excellent reputation for heavy commercial cases.‘
Clerking
‘The clerking team stands out as one of the most dynamic and friendly teams amongst sets, and can be commercially sensible.’
London Bar > Insurance and reinsurance Tier 2
Fountain Court Chambers is ‘a fantastic set for insurance coverage disputes at all levels‘. The set acts in relation to various classes of insurance, including property and business interruption, directors’ and officers’ liability, and product and employer’s liability. Other key areas include political risk, trade credit, professional indemnity, contractors all risk, and warranty and indemnity insurance. David Railton KC routinely acts in some of the market’s largest incidents and losses; and further to her involvement in the COVID-19 lockdown business interruption-related FCA Test Case, Leigh-Ann Mulcahy KC is currently acting in Various Eateries Trading v Allianz, a pandemic-related claim for indemnity under a business interruption policy for losses resulting from the hospitality industry’s closure.Rising stars
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Chambers is very strong and with real depth and quality. ‘
‘Fountain Court stands heads and shoulders above its competitors in terms of the quality of its barristers.‘
‘Fantastic set for insurance coverage disputes at all levels, and works well as a team. Very collaborative on business development and training opportunities, including internationally via its Singapore outpost.‘
‘Outstanding set for insurance work.‘
‘A very good set, with good silks and good juniors.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks are efficient and effective.‘
London Bar > Professional disciplinary and regulatory law Tier 2
Considered a ‘stand out set in solicitors’ professional regulation‘ the set at Fountain Court Chambers has a ‘strong offering at all levels‘. Richard Coleman KC, who is considered ‘excellent all round‘, led Philip Ahlquist, standing before the Supreme Court in Harcus Sinclair LLP v Your Lawyers Limited, a dispute concerning the enforcement of solicitors’ undertakings in connection with group actions concerning the “dieselgate” emissions scandal. In Financial Reporting Council v C.A. Humphreys, Michael McLaren KC advised the former CFO of Conviviality plc – the insolvent former owner of Bargain Booze – in connection with an investigation by the FRC for alleged misconduct. In addition, Chloe Carpenter KC went up against Marianne Butler in SRA v Mishcon de Reya, focusing on allegations made against the firm by the SRA. In addition, Patricia Robertson KC was appointed to the Astana International Financial Centre Advisory Panel to advise on legal services regulation.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Excellent for solicitors’ professional regulation.‘
‘Fountain Court has a number of impressive barristers specialising in solicitors disciplinary and regulatory work. Their knowledge of the case law, their ability to apply that to the facts of a case and their careful attention to the factual detail of cases, are particular strengths of all the counsel in Fountain Court who work in this area of law.‘
‘Stand out set in solicitors’ professional regulation. Strong offering at all levels, including a number of experienced senior juniors who are able to act as sole counsel.‘
‘The set has unparalleled strength in depth in professional disciplinary (audit and accountancy) work.‘
‘Outstanding. Fountain Court provides excellence not just in regulatory and disciplinary law but in the fields to which the regulation relates.’
Clerking
‘Pleasant and friendly.‘
London Bar > Travel law (including jurisdictional issues) Tier 2
Fountain Court Chambers acts for regulators, such as the CAA, and the regulated, such as airlines and tour operators. This year they have been increasingly providing advice around topics including flight delays, cancellations, regulatory issues and Brexit-related issues among others. Akhil Shah KC has been instructed by the liquidators of Thomas Cook Airlines to assist in securing its slots at Gatwick, Manchester and other leading airports in an expedited judicial review application brought by Manchester Airport against the Civil Aviation Authority and Thomas Cook - the matter settled.Leading Silks
Testimonials
Set
‘The bench strength is fantastic, with top Silks, top senior juniors and all the juniors are excellent – there are no duds at all.’
‘Fountain are a leading set for aviation and travel work.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are brilliant and the service excellent, really pro-active and fast response times, Sian Huckett is a stand out.’
London Bar > Business and regulatory crime (including global investigations) Tier 3
Fountain Court Chambers has a strong focus on commercial and regulatory crime work, with members routinely acting for major corporates, financial institutions, and professional services firms, both domestic and international in high-profile and complex proceedings. Richard Lissack KC has represented high-profile corporate and individual clients in a wide range of cases, with standout expertise in financial services matters relating to rate-rigging and transactional fraud, and is currently acting for a number of major financial institutions in ongoing, precedent-setting proceedings in the capital markets space. ‘An expert in a difficult field‘, Robin Barclay KC continues to establish his silk practice in global commercial fraud, and is representing Terra in Terra Services Ltd v NCA, a high-profile investigation of the property company linked to oligarch Oleg Deripaska in connection with the Mueller Investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election. Eleanor Davison acts on both sides of cross-border financial crime investigations, and is a go-to for UK financial authorities in cases alleging criminal money laundering and insider dealing, alongside regularly defending banks and other financial institutions facing similar allegations.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Fountain Court Chambers are the crème de la crème for providing expertise in commercial crime. Richard Lissack KC offers the safest pair of hands for any commercial crime matter. He and Leonora Sagan were always available when needed and were able to accommodate conference calls with very little notice – something that was very important in a fast-moving case. Richard Lissack despite his seniority in this area is always keen to hear and consider the views of every member of the team – a marker of a truly excellent lawyer. It is clear he takes the time to mentor junior members of the team. Their client care skills were second to none – providing reasoned reassurance to the client through the most difficult times of his life.‘
‘Fountain Court is developing a serious and impressive reputation in Business and regulatory crime with impressive silk and junior offerings.‘
‘Fountain Court are consistently excellent to work with, they are responsive, professional and accommodating at all times, and will always be able to recommend alternative counsel if necessary. The depth of experience and variety of specialisms are second to none.‘
‘Strong business crime offering with a variety of levels of experience.‘
Clerking
‘I had frequent contact with the clerks throughout the course of the case. My main point of contact was Luke Diebelius who is deft at juggling a number of diaries and responding swiftly.‘
‘The clerking team are always a pleasure to deal with. I would give special mention to Luke Diebelius, Chloe Gibbs and Jake Hubbard who have always made themselves available – even on short notice and outside of business hours – and deal with all aspects of their role with grace, good humor and professionalism.‘
London Bar > International arbitration: counsel Tier 3
Fountain Court Chambers is one of the London Bar’s leading commercial sets packed with ‘clever and user-friendly‘ silks and juniors. The set is building an impressive reputation for international arbitration, further strengthened by the 2021 recruitment of Matthew Gearing KC, who jointly headed Allen & Overy’s renowned international arbitration group for a decade. At the senior end, Anneliese Day KC has also become a leading figure in the market and represented a Trinidadian state-owned entity in NIDCO v OAS, a long-running dispute with a Brazilian contractor concerning the termination of a roadbuilding contract. Newly appointed silk, Alexander Milner KC regularly acts as sole counsel, as was the case in Tatarstan v Ukraine, in he represented Ukraine in the Court of Appeal enforcement of a US$100m award.Leading Silks
2022 Silks
Testimonials
Set
‘Fountain Court is a leading commercial set. Its barristers are clever and user-friendly.’
Clerking
‘Fountain Court is generally reckoned to be the leading aviation set.’
London Bar > Product liability Tier 3
Fountain Court Chambers has a wide range of expertise across different levels of seniority. In particular, the set has experience with large pharmaceuticals, consumer product group actions and complex claims in the insurance and aviation sectors; the latter is an area of focus for Akhil Shah KC. Leigh-Ann Mulcahy KC is regularly instructed by the government and has a wide range of advocacy and appeal experience.Leading Silks
London Bar > International arbitration: arbitrators
London Bar > Construction
Rising stars
Leading Silks
London Bar > Energy
Rising stars
Leading Silks
London Bar > Telecoms Regulation
London Bar > Group litigation
Leading Silks
London Bar > Employment
Leading Silks
London Bar > Health and safety
London Bar > Administrative law and human rights
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Competition
London Bar > Fraud: crime
Leading Silks
London Bar > Proceeds of crime (POCA) and asset forfeiture
Leading Silks
London Bar > Company
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
London Bar > IT and telecoms (infrastructure and contracts)
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Insolvency
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Asia Pacific - The English Bar > Commercial
Noted as ‘fast and efficient‘, Fountain Court Chambers has ‘incredible range and quality across the entire team‘. It has a strong annexe in Singapore, a jurisdiction which it has connections spanning decades, led by Andrew Pullen. Other London-based key names include Stephen Moriarty QC, who has a breadth of experience in the Singapore International Commercial Court and SIAC arbitrations, and Timothy Howe QC who counts shareholder and M&A disputes among his areas of expertise. Leigh-Ann Mulcahy QC has specialist expertise in insurance, contractual and IT disputes, while Anneliese Day QC splits her time between commercial and construction matters. The set continues to strengthen its Asian coverage with the addition of Hong Kong-based Matthew Gearing QC (who is also qualified as a solicitor-advocate in the SAR) who joined from Allen & Overy in 2021.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Fountain Court is top tier for banking and financial services. Anneliese brings something special to a terrific set.‘
‘Fountain Court is excellent across many practices.‘
‘The Chambers are popular in Asia, because they constantly reach out to this part of the world.’
‘Fountain Court is one of the very strongest commercial chambers in London, without question. They have incredible range and quality across the entire team. I have been very impressed with everyone I have worked with there over the years and they are just world class in every way.’
Clerking
‘The clerks room works like clockwork, and is led by Alex Taylor who is one of best senior clerks around.‘
‘Alex Taylor is extremely user-friendly and responsive.‘
Asia Pacific - The English Bar > Construction, energy and infrastructure Tier 2
Fountain Court Chambers’ construction, energy and infrastructure practice continues to grow, following the arrival of Anneliese Day QC, who has an established reputation for acting as both advocate and arbitrator in ultra-high value disputes, particularly in Singapore and Australia. Andrew Pullen is also a key member and is instructed on a range of construction and energy matters, primarily arbitrations seated in Singapore, where he is based.Leading Silks
The English Bar Offshore > The English Bar Offshore Tier 2
Fountain Court Chambers is a well respected commercial set offering offshore expertise in areas such as banking and finance, commercial litigation, company law and civil fraud. Members of chambers are regularly instructed by leading firms for cases in the Caribbean. One highlight case is Sonera v Cukurova Telecom/Alfa Telecom, a matter before the British Virgin Islands courts, in which Bankim Thanki KC appeared in breach of contract in a claim against a Russian entity arising over a dispute over the ownership of a substantial European mobile telephone network. Ben Valentin KC has an extensive offshore practice in both the BVI and Cayman Islands, and turning to the set's juniors Nico Leslie is a notable junior for his involvement in large and high profile offshore disputes in recent years, with recent work in jurisdictions such as the Cayman Islands.Testimonials
Set
‘A set of consistent high quality across a broad range of disciplines.’
‘Excellent service and impressive level of expertise.’
‘I am very familiar with several members of the set at both the level of silk, and senior juniors. They have great bench strength, coupled with diverse styles of advocacy, but they each have in common comprehensive understanding of the areas of law, enthusiastic and energetic advocacy and a sense of humor with first class client care.’
‘Excellent chambers. Commercial, responsive, helpful and willing to go the extra mile.’
‘Fountain Court is very well known a superb, highly experienced commercial set.’
Clerking
‘Alex Taylor has huge experience. He is a man of integrity who I would trust to help me build the right, high-quality team of barristers on a case.’
Middle East: The English Bar > Commercial
Leading silks
Barrister Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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| Philip Ahlquist | Philip Ahlquist specialises in commercial litigation and arbitration, with particular expertise in… | View Profile |
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| Rupert Allen | Rupert is regularly instructed in heavy and high-profile commercial and banking cases,… | View Profile |
 | Zal Andhyarujina | Zal Andhyarujina SA is a prominent Senior Advocate at the Indian Bar,… | View Profile |
 | Christine Artero | Christine is an independent arbitrator, Door Tenant of Fountain Court Chambers (London… | View Profile |
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| Simon Atrill | Civil and commercial litigation including banking, financial services, insurance/reinsurance, civil fraud, pharmaceuticals… | View Profile |
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| Robin Barclay | Robin Barclay KC is a leading commercial Silk well-known for working in… | View Profile |
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| Alex Barden | Alex is widely recognised as a leading junior in commercial matters, especially… | View Profile |
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| Charles Bear | Wide-ranging practice covering: general commercial litigation, judicial review, and public procurement. Commercial… | View Profile |
 | Ian Benjamin | Ian Benjamin SC practises throughout the Caribbean region, principally in Trinidad and… | View Profile |
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| Natasha Bennett | Natasha Bennett specialises in general commercial litigation, including banking and financial services,… | View Profile |
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| Ian Bergson | Barrister specialising in commercial litigation and arbitration, civil fraud, banking and financial… | View Profile |
 | Hannah Bernstein | Hannah Bernstein has a broad commercial practice with a particular interest in… | View Profile |
 | Professor Lawrence Boo | Professor Boo is one of Singapore’s leading international arbitrators, having sat as… | View Profile |
 | Michael Brindle | Michael sits as an arbitrator in major arbitration disputes. His truly international… | View Profile |
 | Laurie Brock | Practices in all areas of commercial chancery litigation, with a particular focus… | View Profile |
 | Philip Brook Smith | Wide-ranging practice covers a broad spread of commercial and common law work… | View Profile |
 | Damien Bruneau | Barrister specialising in commercial litigation, including banking, financial services, civil fraud, aviation,… | View Profile |
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| Marianne Butler | Marianne is an experienced commercial barrister, who has a core specialism in… | View Profile |
 | Daniel Carall-Green | Daniel has wide experience in commercial, regulatory, and public law. His practice… | View Profile |
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| Chloe Carpenter | Specialises in commercial litigation, banking, financial services, professional negligence, administrative and public… | View Profile |
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| Paul Casey | Barrister specialising in commercial and civil law. | View Profile |
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| Professor Darius Chan | Darius is an independent arbitrator, advocate and academic. He is concurrently Associate… | View Profile |
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| Jeffrey Chapman | Commercial litigation including civil fraud, banking, international arbitration, insurance and reinsurance and… | View Profile |
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| Niamh Cleary | Niamh has a broad commercial practice, with a particular emphasis on banking… | View Profile |
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| Richard Coleman | Richard Coleman KC’s practice spans commercial dispute resolution, banking, financial services, administrative… | View Profile |
 | Raymond Cox | Barrister specialising in general commercial law, banking and finance, civil fraud, regulation,… | View Profile |
 | Michael Crane | Michael Crane KC has over twenty years’ experience as an international arbitrator.… | View Profile |
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| James Cutress | Specialises in commercial litigation and arbitration, with particular expertise in banking and… | View Profile |
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| Derrick Dale | Barrister of 31 years call (silk for 11 years) with a broad… | View Profile |
 | Nick Daly | Nick specialises in commercial litigation and arbitration and is regularly instructed in… | View Profile |
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| Nicolas Damnjanovic | Barrister specialising in commercial litigation, including aviation, banking, civil fraud, public law… | View Profile |
 | Arvind Datar | Arvind Datar SA is a Senior Advocate in India whose practice is… | View Profile |
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| Eleanor Davison | Eleanor Davison is a leading junior in regulatory law, financial services and… | View Profile |
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| Anneliese Day | Anneliese is a “leading lawyer of her generation” and a “standout genius”… | View Profile |
 | Kanaga Dharmananda | Kanaga is Senior Counsel, a Member of Fountain Court, and practises in… | View Profile |
 | Brian Doctor | Referred to as “one of the leading commercial silks at the Bar”… | View Profile |
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| James Duffy | Commercial litigation and arbitration practice, including: banking and finance; aviation; civil fraud;… | View Profile |
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| Timothy Dutton CBE | A leading silk at the London Bar, specialising in commercial litigation, public,… | View Profile |
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| Daniel Edmonds | Daniel practises in all aspects of English private commercial law, with particular… | View Profile |
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| Max Evans | Barrister dealing with commercial litigation, banking and financial services, aviation, regulatory and… | View Profile |
 | Joseph Farmer | Joseph has a diverse and thriving practice. His commercial work includes cases… | View Profile |
 | Marcus Field | Broad commercial practice with experience of banking/finance, civil fraud, insurance and professional… | View Profile |
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| Matthew Gearing | Matthew is a highly experienced international disputes lawyer, with particular expertise in… | View Profile |
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| Patrick Goodall | Barrister specialising in general commercial litigation, including banking and financial services, insurance/reinsurance,… | View Profile |
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| Paul Gott | Employment law, professional regulation and commercial law. Industrial relations law – especially… | View Profile |
 | Philippa Hamilton | Philippa Hamilton (now Hardwick) holds a broad portfolio of legal and non-legal… | View Profile |
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| Richard Handyside | A wide range of commercial and other civil litigation, including banking and… | View Profile |
 | James Hart | Barrister dealing with commercial litigation; banking and financial services; insurance and reinsurance;… | View Profile |
 | Kit Holliday | Kit is developing a broad practice in line with Chambers’ specialisms, and… | View Profile |
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| Dr Deborah Horowitz | Deborah Horowitz specialises in commercial litigation, banking and finance cases, regulatory investigations,… | View Profile |
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| Timothy Howe | Specialising in commercial litigation and arbitration (domestic and international) with particular expertise… | View Profile |
 | Gillian Hughes | Commercial dispute resolution, banking & finance, civil fraud, insurance and reinsurance, international… | View Profile |
 | Professor Benjamin Hughes | Benjamin F. Hughes is an independent arbitrator and adjunct professor of law… | View Profile |
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| Laura John | Barrister with a general commercial practice, including banking and financial services, commercial… | View Profile |
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| Max Kasriel | Barrister specialising in commercial litigation, international arbitration, banking and finance, civil fraud,… | View Profile |
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| Henry King | General commercial litigation and arbitration practice, with a particular emphasis on banking… | View Profile |
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| Christopher Knowles | Christopher specialises in insurance and reinsurance, professional negligence, commercial litigation, civil fraud,… | View Profile |
 | Nathalie Koh | Barrister specialising in commercial and public law | View Profile |
 | Sir Gordon Langley | Sir Gordon Langley practiced at the Bar for 29 years. In 1995… | View Profile |
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| Christopher Langley | Pursues a broad commercial and civil practice (including aviation, banking and financial… | View Profile |
 | Joseph Leech | Joseph is a commercial junior with a broad practice. He has particular interests and experience in civil fraud, banking, insurance… | View Profile |
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| Nico Leslie | Banking and finance; Commercial litigation; Fraud – civil; professional negligence; offshore; arbitration.… | View Profile |
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| Edward Levey | Barrister specialising in commercial and civil litigation and arbitration, including banking, civil… | View Profile |
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| Richard Lissack | Richard is a recognised and renowned leading KC practising in the UK,… | View Profile |
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| Robin Lööf | Business and regulatory crime; European Union law; Fraud: crime; Financial services regulation;… | View Profile |
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| Rebecca Loveridge | Rebecca specialises in commercial litigation and financial services regulation. Her practice spans… | View Profile |
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| Bridget Lucas | A broad practice spanning commercial and chancery litigation and arbitration with a… | View Profile |
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| Ben Lynch | Commercial Dispute Resolution, Insurance, Professional Negligence, Competition, International Commercial Arbitration and Telecommunications.… | View Profile |
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| The Hon Michael McLaren | Michael McLaren KC is widely experienced in all areas of commercial litigation,… | View Profile |
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| Nicholas Medcroft | Nicholas Medcroft KC’s practice spans commercial dispute resolution, banking, fraud, corporate crime,… | View Profile |
 | Louise Merrett | Reader in International Commercial law and barrister specialising in international commercial litigation… | View Profile |
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| Alexander Milner | Barrister practising commercial litigation and international arbitration, with wide experience of civil… | View Profile |
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| Andrew Mitchell | Specific expertise in banking; civil fraud; commercial contract; (re)insurance and professional negligence,… | View Profile |
 | Christopher Monaghan | Christopher Monaghan has a busy commercial practice across chambers’ core areas, with… | View Profile |
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| Stephen Moriarty | Stephen Moriarty has a very broad commercial litigation and advisory practice, with… | View Profile |
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| Leigh-Ann Mulcahy | KC, commercial arbitrator in international and domestic arbitrations and mediator specialising in:… | View Profile |
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| David Murray | Commercial litigation including banking, financial services, aviation, insurance/reinsurance, sale of goods, conflict… | View Profile |
 | Deepak Nambisan | Barrister with a substantial commercial practice, including all areas of commercial litigation,… | View Profile |
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| Tetyana Nesterchuk | Barrister specialising in international commercial litigation and arbitration (with particular emphasis on… | View Profile |
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| Tamara Oppenheimer | Barrister practising in civil and commercial law, including aviation, banking & finance,… | View Profile |
 | Gaurav Pachnanda | Gaurav Pachnanda SA is a Senior Advocate, based in India, whose practice… | View Profile |
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| Simon Paul | Barrister specialising in commercial litigation and arbitration, including aviation, banking and finance,… | View Profile |
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| Rosalind Phelps | Commercial silk specialising in civil and commercial litigation and arbitration including aviation,… | View Profile |
 | Richard Power | Barrister dealing with commercial and civil law. | View Profile |
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| Andrew Pullen | Barrister specialising in international arbitration, based in Singapore. Andrew Pullen’s practice is… | View Profile |
 | Samuel Rabinowitz | Barrister practising in commercial law, including in civil fraud, banking & finance,… | View Profile |
 | Professor Luca G Radicati di Brozolo | Luca is the founding partner of Arblit, an arbitration and litigation boutique… | View Profile |
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| David Railton | David has a broad based commercial practice, having acted for and advised… | View Profile |
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| Stuart Ritchie | Barrister (King’s Counsel) specialising in commercial litigation, civil fraud, employment (directors and… | View Profile |
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| Samuel Ritchie | Barrister specialising in commercial litigation, with particular expertise in civil fraud, commercial… | View Profile |
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| Patricia Robertson | Ranked as a top practitioner for over a decade, Patricia specialises in… | View Profile |
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| Giles Robertson | Barrister dealing with commercial litigation, aviation, civil fraud, banking and finance, international… | View Profile |
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| Stephen Rubin | Barrister specialising in heavy commercial litigation in this jurisdiction and overseas. Lead… | View Profile |
 | Francesca Ruddy | Francesca specialises in commercial litigation and arbitration, with expertise in civil fraud,… | View Profile |
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| Leonora Sagan | Commercial litigation; fraud-civil; business and regulatory crime; financial services regulation; arbitration. Leonora… | View Profile |
 | Sebastian Said | Sebastian practises in the Cayman Islands at the leading litigation practice in… | View Profile |
 | Eric Schwartz | Eric Schwartz is an American and French international arbitration lawyer. After a… | View Profile |
 | Daniel Schwennicke | Daniel is a commercial junior with a broad practice, with particular interest… | View Profile |
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| Akhil Shah | Barrister specialising in commercial litigation with an emphasis in aviation, trade finance,… | View Profile |
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| Adam Sher | Civil and commercial litigation including banking, financial services, insurance, civil fraud and… | View Profile |
 | Orestis Sherman | Broad commercial practice, with experience (as a pupil) in aviation, banking and… | View Profile |
 | Ian Simester | Ian Simester joined chambers in October 2022, following the successful completion of… | View Profile |
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| Mark Simpson | Barrister specialising in professional negligence, professional discipline and general commercial litigation. Notable… | View Profile |
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| Paul Sinclair | Paul specialises in complex Commercial and Chancery disputes in particular in cases… | View Profile |
 | Sir Andrew Smith | Sir Andrew Smith was appointed as an arbitrator while as a barrister… | View Profile |
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| John Taylor | John Taylor KC has a broad commercial litigation and arbitration practice, including… | View Profile |
 | Aaron Taylor | Barrister a broad commercial practice including aviation, art law, banking and finance,… | View Profile |
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| Bankim Thanki | Bankim Thanki KC is generally recognised as one of the pre-eminent Leading… | View Profile |
 | Adam Tolley | Barrister specialising in commercial litigation, banking, employment, insurance, professional negligence and personal… | View Profile |
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| Jacob Turner | Jacob Turner is a barrister specialising in commercial litigation and arbitration, including… | View Profile |
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| Craig Ulyatt | Craig Ulyatt has a broad commercial practice. While he has a particular… | View Profile |
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| Ben Valentin | Ben is a commercial disputes specialist, with acknowledged expertise in disputes involving… | View Profile |
 | Peter Watts | Peter Watts KC, FRSNZ is a New Zealand barrister. He currently practises… | View Profile |
 | Giles Wheeler | Giles is routinely instructed in a wide range of substantial commercial litigation… | View Profile |
 | Alexandra Whelan | Barrister specialising in commercial litigation, including aviation, banking, civil fraud, the regulation… | View Profile |
 | Lord Nicholas Wilson | Lord Wilson is a former Justice of the UK Supreme Court and… | View Profile |
 | David Wingfield | David Wingfield combines his deep knowledge of antitrust economics with a comprehensive… | View Profile |
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| Nik Yeo | Commercial litigation and arbitration, particularly cross-border disputes and disputes arising from fintech,… | View Profile |
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| Adam Zellick | Established Leader for significant cases with a strong, broad-based, commercial practice and… | View Profile |
 | Laurentia de Bruyn | Laurentia has a broad commercial practice in line with Chambers’ profile, with… | View Profile |
Client Testimonials
CLIENT: UK Law firm
COMPANY/FIRM: A brand-focused boutique litigation firm working across intellectual property and sports matters
TESTIMONIAL: Fountain Court’s clerks are great. They offer our litigation team as much support as is possible. For example, we have regular relationship meetings to ensure that we are happy with every aspect of their service, they offer secondees and their events and seminars are topical and helpful. We also find that their advice on costs invaluable. Fountain Court is one of our Chambers of choice.
CLIENT: International Law firm
TESTIMONIAL: I have instructed members of Fountain Court since 1979. It is not for sentimental reasons that I have kept going back to them, year in and year out. They simply do not let their standards slip.
CLIENT: International law firm
TESTIMONIAL: From my experience of instructing members this year, I can say the following. They “get it” that modern commercial litigation is a team game, with clients, solicitors, experts and barristers all playing their part. They are good team players, easy to deal with, no airs and graces. They understand the time pressures that are generated by heavy commercial cases. They turn things around quickly. Their paperwork is exceptionally good – the typical Fountain Court product is a model of concision and precision, but always accessible – easily readable even for the non-cognoscenti. And their advocacy is outstanding.
CLIENT: International Law firm
TESTIMONIAL: The clerking has always been of the highest calibre. Alex and Paul are a pleasure to deal with. You can talk business with them. They understand the cost pressures on clients and solicitors – and they also go out of their way to deal with unexpected demands thrown up (inevitably) by big cases. The junior clerks win plaudits too from my team.
CLIENT: Offshore Law firm
TESTIMONIAL: I have always found Fountain Court to be very strong on the commercials and on the people skills so they are my ‘go to’ set for cases with difficult people dynamics. Their fees are in keeping with what one would expect and, more to the point, worth every penny.
CLIENT: Global Law firm
TESTIMONIAL: I have had a relationship with Fountain Court that stretches back over 30 years. Our area of practise is mainly but not exclusively Banking Litigation and contentious Regulatory. Their expertise on the Banking litigation side is unrivalled at the bar.
Pro Bono
PRO BONO
We have a longstanding and proud commitment to pro bono work.
Advocate
Former member of Fountain Court Lord Goldsmith QC established the Bar Pro Bono Unit (now, Advocate), which enables access to justice through providing barristers’ services on a pro bono basis.
We continue to support Advocate’s work in various financial and non-financial means. Fountain Court is a Gold Patron of Advocate and many of our barristers also provide financial support to the charity on an individual basis. Fountain Court is also an enthusiastic participant in the London Legal Walk, a fundraising event arranged by Advocate on behalf of free legal advice agencies in London.
Our barristers also provide legal advice and assistance on a pro bono basis through Advocate. More senior members support its work as case reviewers, and Philip Brook Smith QC is a trustee of Advocate and a member of its management committee.
Other pro bono work
First year tenants provide free legal advice in the Bethnal Green Advice Centre on a weekly basis, as part of Fountain Court’s ongoing commitment to the centre.
Chambers also participates in Pro Bono Connect, a scheme that maintains a network of chambers and firms of solicitors willing to work together on pro bono cases. Through this scheme, Fountain Court barristers have been instructed by law firms on a pro bono basis to provide a joined-up approach to the provision of pro bono legal services.
Our barristers also participate in a number of the pro bono schemes operated within the RCJ, including:
- The Queen’s Bench Division Interim Applications Court Pro Bono Advocacy Scheme.
- The Chancery Litigants in Person Scheme.
The Commercial Court and London Circuit Commercial Court Pro Bono Scheme.
Countries of expertise include:
| Albania | Denmark | Kazakhstan | South Africa |
| Argentina | Dubai | Kenya | Spain |
| Australia | Egypt | Liechtenstein | St Kitts & Nevis |
| Azerbaijan | France | Luxembourg | Sweden |
| Bahamas | Germany | Malaysia | Switzerland |
| Bermuda | Gibraltar | Maldives | Tajikistan |
| British Virgin Islands | Guernsey | Mauritius | Trinidad and Tobago |
| Canada | Hong Kong | New Zealand | Turks & Caicos |
| Cayman Islands | India | Nigeria | Uganda |
| Chile | Isle of Man | Norway | Ukraine |
| Columbia | Italy | Russia | USA |
| Cyprus | Jersey | Singapore |
Diversity
Equality and Diversity
Fountain Court is committed to Equality and Diversity in all aspects of our business.
We strive to recruit and retain talented individuals from all walks of life and frequently review our policies in order to adopt best practice and to reduce the risk of unconscious bias. We regard it as essential to our standing as a leading commercial set of chambers that we should seek to excel in this regard, as in the rest of our business.
We believe in and promote equal and fair treatment for all. We recognise that the obligation not to discriminate against clients, members, pupils or staff on grounds of gender, gender re-assignment, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sexual orientation, age, disability, marriage and civil partnership or religion or belief is a fundamental obligation and not simply because it is imposed on us by legislation and the Bar Code of Conduct. We seek to go further and to identify and seek to address structural issues which might lead to individuals from any of these groups being underrepresented within Fountain Court Chambers or at the commercial Bar as a whole.
Mentoring for Underrepresented Groups: A scheme run by Commercial Barristers’ Chambers
We are proud to have joined with five other commercial sets to create a mentoring scheme to support and encourage individuals from all underrepresented groups to pursue a career as a barrister.
Bridging the Bar: Mini-Pupillage Programme
We are also seeking to enhance diversity at the commercial bar by supporting and participating in Bridging the Bar, an initiative through which candidates from underrepresented groups are able to apply for mini-pupillages in chambers.
Combar Scholarship Scheme
Chambers also participates in the Combar Scholarship scheme which seeks to promote social mobility and encourage a wider range of candidates to consider a career at the commercial bar.
Fountain Court also regularly partners with universities in equality and diversity initiatives aimed at students: for example sponsoring and participating in the 2020 ‘Diversity at the Bar’ panel discussion held by Bristol University Bar Society and sponsoring events with King’s Women in Law (of King’s College, London).
Equal Opportunities in Recruitment
We are committed to achieving equality of opportunity in all aspects of our recruitment.
We use published and objective selection criteria in recruiting staff, pupils and tenants and we ensure that all those involved in recruitment have recent equality and diversity training.
We assess applications for mini-pupillage, pupillage and tenancy on merit, but particularly encourage applications from individuals within groups currently underrepresented at the commercial Bar. We actively seek to identify and eliminate unconscious bias through the use of specialist training and techniques such as blind reviews of application forms and assessed work.
Equal Opportunities in Work Allocation
We take seriously our obligation to ensure fairness in allocation of work opportunities as between practising barristers and we are continually seeking to improve and enhance our monitoring and analysis of work opportunities for barristers in chambers.
Gender Equality
We are committed to increasing the representation of women at Fountain Court and at the commercial Bar generally. To this end, we are working with the other leading commercial sets on a recruitment initiative aimed at encouraging women to apply for pupillage at the commercial Bar. The initiative has already seen two successful events at universities with speaker panels including female members of Fountain Court. Further events are planned in the near future.
In January 2020, Fountain Court sponsored a reception held at Middle Temple to celebrate the centenary of women being able to enter the legal profession for the first time. We are also actively partnering with university societies to help promote the commercial Bar as a potential career option for women, including sponsoring and participating in the ‘Diversity at the Bar’ panel discussion to be held by Bristol University Bar Society and sponsoring events with King’s Women in Law (of King’s College, London).
We also recognise the importance of retaining female members and have sought to implement policies to ensure that Fountain Court supports female members as they progress through their careers. We are proud that two of our silk appointments for 2020 were women, and our single QC appointment in 2021 was also female. We are also delighted that our successes in this respect were recognised in The Legal 500 2021, where Fountain Court was described as being “commended for having ‘done a huge amount in recent years to promote and recruit women, making them one of the most gender-diverse sets at the commercial bar’.”
LGBTQ+ Equality
Fountain Court welcomes LGBTQ+ applicants and is proud to have a number of LGBT+ members.
Race Equality
Fountain Court is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity and treatment for all applicants, regardless of race or ethnicity. We are proud to be a racially diverse set of chambers at all levels of seniority.
However we also recognise that Chambers and the commercial Bar more generally would benefit from greater diversity. To this end Fountain Court Chambers is participating in a number of initiatives specifically designed to help widen the pool of potential applicants and to encourage those from more diverse backgrounds to consider the commercial bar as a career. As set out above, this includes participating in the mini-pupillage programme developed by Bridging the Bar, and the commercial sets’ mentoring scheme, both of which provide specific mentoring and mini-pupillage opportunities to underrepresented groups.
Disability and Accessibility
At Fountain Court, we are committed to ensuring that talented applicants, and our members and staff, are able to succeed and we believe that disability should not be a barrier to that success.
We have taken steps to ensure that where possible our facilities are accessible and that our working practices accommodate disabled members. Our members include a number of individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair users who can work from chambers as a result of the adaptations and improvements we have been able to make to our grade II listed historic buildings.
Any specific requests for reasonable adjustments to assist disabled applicants, members, employees or clients which we may not reasonably be able to foresee, should be made to our Head of Administration, Julie Parker.
Social Mobility
We are conscious of long-held perceptions of the commercial Bar as being only for those from affluent or privileged backgrounds. We are striving to change those perceptions and to address any structural issues which may be discouraging individuals from less privileged backgrounds from considering the Bar as a career. We encourage talented individuals from any walk of life to apply for a mini-pupillage in order to experience first-hand what life at Fountain Court is like. The backgrounds of our members shows that there is no single route to the Bar, and a significant proportion of them were educated at state schools. We support and participate in a number of initiatives which seek to address social mobility issues, including:
- A targeted mentoring scheme with other leading commercial sets.
- Bridging the Bar.
- The Combar scholarship.
- The Pathways to Law scheme run by Oxford University, through which students who take part in that scheme are able to spend time with members of Fountain Court.
- Work experience programmes with a number of inner London schools, where participating students gain experience of clerking and, from time to time, shadow members of chambers at court.
In addition, individual members of chambers frequently deliver talks to state schools in less affluent areas, with a view to promoting a career at the Bar.
Giving back to the community
Fountain Court Chambers recognises a wider social responsibly, which it takes very seriously. Members and staff participate in a number of initiatives that reinforce chambers’ commitment to act in a socially responsible manner.
Access to the Bar
We participate in a number of initiatives that promote the furtherance of equality and diversity in the legal profession and which are designed to encourage diverse access to the Bar.
Pathways to Law
We have close links to the Pathways to Law scheme, which supports academically able students from non-privileged backgrounds who are interested in pursuing a career in law. The project offers placements to students to enable them to gain an insight into the life of chambers and the work of its barristers. It is part of a nationwide scheme developed by The Sutton Trust and The Legal Education Foundation.
Mentoring for Underrepresented Groups: A Scheme Run by Commercial Barristers’ Chambers
Fountain Court is also a founding member of the mentoring scheme established by the Commercial Bar to support and encourage individuals from groups which are underrepresented at the Bar of England and Wales (and in particular the commercial bar) to pursue careers as barristers. The scheme is called Mentoring for Underrepresented Groups: a scheme run by Commercial Barristers’ Chambers and is open to undergraduates and graduates from groups that are underrepresented at the Bar of England and Wales including women, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBT+ people, people who have spent time in care and people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
Bridging the Bar: Mini-Pupillage Programme
We are also seeking to enhance diversity at the commercial bar by supporting and participating in Bridging the Bar, an initiative through which candidates from underrepresented groups are able to apply for mini-pupillages in chambers.
Work experience
We also offer work experience placements to students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds in partnership with a school in Deptford, an initiative established with the support of the Stephen Lawrence Trust.
PRO BONO
We have a longstanding and proud commitment to pro bono work.
Advocate
Former member of Fountain Court Lord Goldsmith QC established the Bar Pro Bono Unit (now, Advocate), which enables access to justice through providing barristers’ services on a pro bono basis.
We continue to support Advocate’s work in various financial and non-financial means. Fountain Court is a Gold Patron of Advocate and many of our barristers also provide financial support to the charity on an individual basis. Fountain Court is also an enthusiastic participant in the London Legal Walk, a fundraising event arranged by Advocate on behalf of free legal advice agencies in London.
Our barristers also provide legal advice and assistance on a pro bono basis through Advocate. More senior members support its work as case reviewers, and Philip Brook Smith QC is a trustee of Advocate and a member of its management committee.
Other pro bono work
First year tenants provide free legal advice in the Bethnal Green Advice Centre on a weekly basis, as part of Fountain Court’s ongoing commitment to the centre.
Chambers also participates in Pro Bono Connect, a scheme that maintains a network of chambers and firms of solicitors willing to work together on pro bono cases. Through this scheme, Fountain Court barristers have been instructed by law firms on a pro bono basis to provide a joined-up approach to the provision of pro bono legal services.
Our barristers also participate in a number of the pro bono schemes operated within the RCJ, including:
· The Queen’s Bench Division Interim Applications Court Pro Bono Advocacy Scheme.
· The Chancery Litigants in Person Scheme.
· The Commercial Court and London Circuit Commercial Court Pro Bono Scheme.
- Aviation
- Banking and finance (including consumer credit)
- Commercial litigation
- Financial services regulation
- Fraud: civil
- Professional negligence
Top Tier Set Rankings
- Insurance and reinsurance
- Professional disciplinary and regulatory law
- Travel law (including jurisdictional issues)
Set Rankings
- Business and regulatory crime (including global investigations)
- International arbitration: counsel
- Product liability
- International arbitration: arbitrators
- Construction
- Energy
- Telecoms Regulation
- Group litigation
- Employment
- Health and safety
- Administrative law and human rights
- Competition
- Fraud: crime
- Proceeds of crime (POCA) and asset forfeiture
- Company
- IT and telecoms (infrastructure and contracts)
- Insolvency
- Asia Pacific - The English Bar > Commercial